One of the best parts of helping families move to the East Valley is watching them discover how much there is to do here. If you’re new to the area — or thinking about making the move — here’s a local’s short list of family favorites.
Gilbert
The Heritage District is the East Valley’s favorite night out: restaurants, ice cream, and year-round events within a few walkable blocks under the water tower. Add the Riparian Preserve’s trails and fishing ponds, freestone parks and splash pads, and Saturday mornings at the Gilbert Farmers Market.
Chandler & Mesa
Downtown Chandler pairs a great playground scene with festivals nearly every season. Mesa brings the big-ticket days out: the Arizona Museum of Natural History, the i.d.e.a. Museum for younger kids, and spring training baseball every March at Sloan Park and Hohokam Stadium.
The desert itself
The best family memories here often cost nothing. Hike the Wind Cave trail at Usery Mountain, watch the sunset from the San Tan Mountain Regional Park, kayak the Lower Salt River and count wild horses, or drive the Apache Trail on a Saturday morning. Ninety percent of the year, the weather is on your side.
Thinking of calling it home?
Lifestyle is half of every move. When we tour neighborhoods together, I’ll show you not just the houses but what living there actually feels like — parks, commutes, and where the locals go. Let’s connect and start exploring.